More than 430 guests are expected at the sold-out evening. Gala chairs are Michael and Chafi Kappaz, who have embraced the center through numerous visits to get to know the clients as well as the staff and learn how they can impact the programs through their leadership. Honorees include Plácido Domingo, world-renowned tenor and general director of the Washington National Opera, who also sang at the Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at Nationals Park on April 18, 2008; Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award recording artist; and journalist and philanthropist, Maureen Orth, founder of the Maureen Orth Foundation and La Escuela Marina Orth. Journalist Maureen Orth served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Colombia in the 1960's.
Maureen Orth to be Honored by the Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington
Plácido Domingo, Juanes and Maureen Orth to be Honored
at Spanish Catholic Center Gala
With the star power of Plácido Domingo, Juanes and Maureen Orth, this year’s Spanish Catholic Center Gala, to be held March 28, 2009, 7:00 p.m. at the Organization of American States Building, 17th and Constitution Avenues, NW, is on track to raise more money than ever before to provide much-needed services to immigrants in need in the Washington metropolitan area. With a slowing economy and increased demand for services – as much as a 50 percent increase this year just for employment assistance – the gala’s success is critical.
“In the midst of a crisis that is affecting all of us, we cannot forget those who already suffer from a lack of support and opportunities,” said Reverend Mario Dorsonville, director of the Spanish Catholic Center and Vice President for Mission of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington. The Spanish Catholic Center, established in 1967, is part of Catholic Charities and provides 53,000 services annually, including medical, dental, legal, immigration, employment and social services to the region’s Latino community as well as newly arrived immigrants and refugees from around the world, at sites in Washington, DC, Gaithersburg, MD and Langley Park, MD.
More than 430 guests are expected at the sold-out evening. Gala chairs are Michael and Chafi Kappaz, who have embraced the center through numerous visits to get to know the clients as well as the staff and learn how they can impact the programs through their leadership. Honorees include Plácido Domingo, world-renowned tenor and general director of the Washington National Opera, who also sang at the Mass celebrated by Pope Benedict XVI at Nationals Park on April 18, 2008; Juanes, a 12-time Latin Grammy award recording artist; and journalist and philanthropist, Maureen Orth, founder of the Maureen Orth Foundation and La Escuela Marina Orth.
Nicaraguan singer/songwriter Mario Sacasa will perform during the gala.
Media credentials: Please contact Erik Salmi, 202-772-4390 or 202-409-6147 (cell). Media are asked to dress appropriately (no jeans, please).
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About Catholic Charities
Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington helps individuals and families in need living in Washington, DC, Calvert, Charles, Montgomery, Prince George’s and St. Mary’s Counties in Maryland. Annually, more than 100,000 people receive needed support related to housing, food, legal aide, physical and mental health, and other services, regardless of race, nationality or religion. This support is delivered by 90 programs in 60 geographically diverse locations by more than 4,500 staff and volunteers. For more information, visit www.CatholicCharitiesDC.org.
